Into the West upbeat after Nichola Mallon meeting saying rail minister committed to Phase 3 of Derry line

Jim McBride, a founding member, said he believed the minister is committed to proceeding with Phase 3 of the upgrade from Castlerock and Eglinton.

He was speaking after what he described as an ‘encouraging’ meeting. “We feel she is fully committed to what we have been campaigning for and she has indicated she wants to proceed to Phase 3 of the rail upgrade as soon as possible. Now going through the various processes you are still looking at 2025 or around that, nonetheless it’s very encouraging to have the commitment,” he said.

Mr. McBride met Ms. Mallon with fellow campaigners Eamonn McCann and Steve Bradley.

He said that the minister was open to looking at the feasibility of new halts and loops along the Derry to Belfast line, and that Into the West was also encouraged by the noises emanating from both the Department of Infrastructure and the transport ministry in the south with respect to the all-island rail network.

“Nichola Mallon and Eamon Ryan have both indicated their willingness to review rail on an island-wide basis.

“We’re very much pressing for them to look at reopening the Derry to Letterkenny and the Derry to Strabane lines and with the way things are going in terms of climate change rail is the way to go.

“There is certainly scope there for a more environmentally friendly transport environment. It’s nice after 20 years to feel like you are being listened to,” he remarked.

Into the West will meet with Translink on Thursday.